Doing things from scratch isn't out of the question, but it is certainly the more difficult path. The issue you will run into is: one of these things is not like the others. Granted, with the right research and work it would be possible to come up with something darn close or identical, it just sets your own difficulty up a level in what you hope to do.

On one side I think you're right, trying to surround your PCs and minimize casualties of your NPCs. On the other, if you have a PC choosing to use this mechanic, I would say there are plenty of times, ambushes, channeling enemies through a hallway or other times that you'd get all the bang for your buck.

Personally I love a good blaster with a flame attachment, awesome awesome upgrade.

The bounty hunter is something else before being a bounty hunter. He's a person. People have goals and ideals outside of their profession. Sure they may devote nearly everything they have toward their profession, but what else makes them tick? Find this out and pull those strings with vigor.

No phones, no computers, ask everyone to be considerate and stay focused. Assuming you're all adults, treat it like that. Ask everyone to take an active part in making your game the focus of your activity. Ensure that some fun and conversing can still take place, but remind everyone why you're gathered. If anyone has objections, listen to them and deal with them.

The problem I find at 6-8 is having a combat challenging enough to keep them interested while not lethal enough to kill them all first turn. Minions are good for this. Also, keeping everyone focused is a challenge at times but I feel it works.

I give my group of 6 two awards of +5 after every session, but no one can be selected again if someone still hasn't received an award. It allows a little bit of a sprint in XP in case someone needs the extra +5, and at the same time does allow for some group decisions. So every 4th session everyone is eligible again to get their sprint.

The problem you face is that you likely will have a really hard time getting ahold of the minis. I was playing competitively with my mind on worlds up until recently, the rules are fairly intense if you get into the strategy side of things.

I really enjoy the game but availability of product has drive the cost up in a lot of places.